Albanese needs courage on climate

February 15, 2026

As Noel Turnbull reports, the numbers show climate denial in Australia is a loud minority, not a majority view. Research from the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub and Ipsos confirms most Australians accept climate change is real and support stronger action. Yet public debate often feels skewed.

That distortion is not accidental. Fossil fuel lobby groups such as the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (now Australian Energy Producers) and the Minerals Council of Australia have long campaigned against stronger emissions policies. The Grattan Institute and the Centre for Public Integrity have documented how opaque political donation laws allow substantial contributions from fossil fuel interests to major parties, shaping policy settings.

High-profile mining magnate and Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart has also financially backed conservative campaigns and advocacy opposing stronger climate measures.

When powerful donors and lobbyists amplify sceptical voices, it creates the illusion of division. In reality, most Australians want credible climate policy, yet the Albanese government has approved 15 coal projects and 11 gas projects in just four years. Clearly, the challenge is not public belief — it is political courage in the face of vested interests.

https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/albanese-governments-fossil-fuel-approvals/